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Procuring Local Foods for Child Nutrition Programs ($)

From beef and bison in Montana to apples in Michigan and radishes in Rhode Island, local foods are on the menu for children across the country. Local procurement not only supports increasing economic opportunities for local farmers, but also helps child care institutions incorporate wholesome local foods into program meals and encourages children to make healthy food choices. Learn how local foods can meet meal pattern requirements, understand what is required when purchasing local foods, and get the resources you need for procuring them.

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Menu Planning: Your Guide to Success ($)

Do you love menu planning or are you unsure where to begin? Learn what to consider when developing a cycle menu or planning meals one week at a time. Receive new, easy recipe ideas that are sure to become favorites at your center or in your family child care home! Identify the differences between a cycle menu and weekly menu. Explore the step-by-step process of menu development, from concept ideation to finalization.

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Meal Pattern Basics ($)

Centers, family child care homes, and after-school care play a critical role in serving nutritious foods to those they serve. The CACFP guides you on how to provide healthy meals using five meal components which make up the meal service requirements: grains, fruits, vegetables, meats/meat alternates, and milk. Learn when these are required and how they fit into the CACFP meal pattern.

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Best Practices for Budgeting for Meals & Snacks ($)

Every penny counts at child care centers and family child care homes. Discover the secrets to stretching your CACFP budget without compromising on quality. Gain fun, practical tips on planning, purchasing, and preparing nutritious, high-quality meals that kids will love—all while staying within budget. Learn how to make the most of your resources and create delicious, healthy meals that are both budget-friendly and nutritious.

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Winter Wellness: Nurturing Immune Health in Kids ($)

Brace yourselves for the winter as chilly winds bring along the symphony of sniffles and coughs. Get ahead and help prevent colds and flus by giving an extra boost of health to those in your care through providing immune-supporting nutritional foods and activities. Learn how to convert your child care center and family child care home into a fortress of wellness by adding delicious recipes to your menu and fun games to keep their bodies in top working order.

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Festive Flavors: A Low Sugar Holiday ($)

It’s party season and we’re gearing up CACFP-style! Reduce the sweets and turn every celebration into a healthy feast that kids will love. Discover creative and nutritious ideas for holiday and special occasion dishes that are #CACFPCreditable.

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Choosy Eaters: Moving Towards Meal Time Triumphs ($)

Get ready to conquer mealtime challenges with confidence! We’ll explore positive strategies to support children in their journey towards enjoying a variety of foods. Gain invaluable tips, insights, and mealtime triumphs to foster a healthy relationship with food and transform mealtimes into joyful experiences.

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Medical Statements, Milk Substitutions & Special Diets ($)

Have you ever received a parent’s or doctor’s note describing a meal modification or substitution to serve a child or adult in your care? Maybe you have felt confused or overwhelmed on how to modify the menu to ensure foods are safe to serve to a participant with a disability.

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